“Oh no. Please no.”
“What is it?” Kendra turned to her.
Emily looked at her friend. “I left my shoes at the house.”
Kendra snickered. “You’re kidding right?”
Emily glared at her. “Does it look like I’m kidding? Now I have to get married in snow boots.” She glanced down at Kendra’s feet.
Kendra shook her head. “We don’t wear the same size. Your size six will not go into my size five.”
Emily growled. “I can’t believe I did that. I jinxed it when I wondered what Lucas would think if I showed up in snow boots.”
“You had a lot on your mind I’m sure. You’ll just have to get married in your boots or barefoot.”
Emily groaned. “Let’s do this.”
They entered the courthouse to see Lucas and Cooper already there. Lucas walked towards her and stopped in his tracks when he glanced down to her feet and smiled.
“Not one word, Lucas. I forgot my shoes.” Emily glared up at him.
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”
Emily removed her coat and heard him hiss in a breath. She quickly glanced up at him. “What is it? Do I have something on my dress?” She quickly looked down at her dress.
“No. You look…beautiful,” Lucas whispered.
Emily could feel the heat in her cheeks. “Thank you. You look very handsome in your suit.”
Lucas grumbled. “Don’t get used to it. I hate wearing these things.”
Emily laughed. “All right.” She took a deep breath. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be. Let’s go.” He put his hand out to her. After a slight hesitation, she placed her hand in his and felt a jolt. She glanced up at him but he didn’t seem to feel anything. Mentally shrugging, she let him lead her into the judge’s chambers.
They recited their vows and when it came time to exchange rings, Emily almost panicked. She’d forgotten about the rings. She watched as Lucas reached inside his jacket, pulled out two plain gold bands, and handed one to Kendra to hold. Emily smiled up at him and then nervously waited for the kiss. Lucas kissed her quickly as if he didn’t want to at all. They left the courthouse after getting their license and met back at the ranch. It seemed ridiculous to Emily for a man and woman just married to travel in separate cars but she had to take Kendra home. Cooper had driven his own vehicle.
* * * *
Lucas drove to the ranch to wait for Emily. He sat in the truck and looked around. American Quarter Horses filled the two red barns, some of the most sought after in the United States. A championship bloodline ran through them. The demand for them was high. Lucas couldn’t wait to work with them. He loved horses and to work with these was a dream come true. Not only that, he had ownership in them. His gaze swept over to the Big Horn Mountains in the distance. The snow moving in from the mountains covered the tips. Lucas knew it would be in Dry River later in the day. His gaze moved back to the house. He’d always been in awe of the large farmhouse with the wraparound porch. When he first started working at Whispering Pines, he would make believe he lived there. Emily would run around the porch, giggling, while her grandfather would chase her. Lucas would watch, envying them and secretly want to join in the fun but he never did. His mother did a good job of raising him until he turned twelve, then he thought he knew everything. He and his friends tore up the town. The older they got, the more trouble they’d gotten into. They’d even spent a night or two in the local jail.
He glanced in the rearview mirror when he saw Emily pulling in behind him. She was so beautiful. Her dark hair was up in some sort of bun and he was anxious to see it down, spread across a pillow. He grunted. That sure wasn’t going to happen very soon. They had to get to know each other first. The kiss after the ceremony about threw him to his knees and it had only been a little peck. She’d looked so beautiful in her gown. Even with the snow boots on her feet. Lucas closed his eyes and groaned. This was going to be harder than he thought.
Sighing, he opened his door, stepped out, and waited for her to reach him. He reached into the bed of the truck to get his duffle bag. She smiled up at him shyly and then led him into the house. The biggest cat he’d ever seen sat in the center of the kitchen glaring at him. He glanced at Emily.
“Why do you need me here when you have that cat? He looks like he could take down anyone.”
“She. Munch doesn’t much care for men.”
“Great.” Lucas muttered. “Munch? What kind of name is Munch?”
“It’s short for Munchkin. She’ll tolerate you, just like she does me, but cross her and she’ll make your life miserable.” Emily smiled.
“I have no desire to get close enough to cross her. I’m not a cat person.”
“Get used to her. She’s not going anywhere,” Emily said angrily.
“I didn’t say she was. Don’t get so testy.”
Emily sighed. “I’m sorry. Adam hated her.”
“Did she just growl at me?” Lucas raised his eyebrows.
Emily burst out laughing. “No. She growled because I said Adam. She hated him right back.” Munch growled again.
Lucas shook his head. “Amazing. I hope she doesn’t have a problem with me. I don’t want to wake up one night with her sitting on my chest plotting my death.”
Emily chuckled. “Would you like some coffee?”
Lucas shook his head. “No thanks. I just want to get out of this monkey suit and relax a little. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
She nodded. “I didn’t either. Come with me, I’ll show you to your room.”
Lucas picked up the duffle bag and followed her upstairs. She entered a large bedroom.
“If this room isn’t to your liking. You can choose from four others. I gave you this one since it has a bathroom. The bathroom is between our rooms.” He saw her cheeks flush and held back a smile. “I thought you’d want to have a bathroom. There are two full baths up here and a half bath downstairs. For such a large home, it should have more.” She shrugged. “Anyway, if you stay in this room, please lock my door to the bathroom when you’re in it and I’ll do the same. I’m sure we don’t want to surprise each other in the shower.”
“Why not?” Lucas asked softly.
Her head snapped up. “What?”
Lucas smiled. “Relax. I was joking.”
She let out a breath. “Oh. Um…okay, I’ll let you unpack and get some rest. I’m going to do the same. I’ll introduce you to everyone later.”
Lucas nodded. He’d love to rest with her but he’d take his time. She was his wife and eventually she would be in every sense of the word. He felt his groin tighten at the thought. Son of a bitch! It couldn’t be soon enough. His gaze swept around the room and took in the antique furnishings. The dark walnut headboard almost touched the ceiling. An old dresser with a mirror held up by spindles sat in a corner. A row of windows allowed him to gaze down into the yard. He sighed as he tossed his duffle bag on the bed. After he undressed, he laid down and fell asleep.
* * * *
Later in the afternoon, Emily woke up and walked downstairs. She heard voices coming from the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway and watched as Tinker and Lucas stood glaring at each other.
“What’s going on?” Emily asked. Both men jumped and looked her way.
Tinker cleared his throat. “We were, uh…just talking.”
“Yes. It looked like quite an animated conversation.”
Lucas turned from her. Tinker stared at the floor.
“You two have to get along.” Emily waited for Tinker to look at her. “He’s your boss, Tinker. Just as I am.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Tinker mumbled.
“I just want to work alongside the men. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Tinker runs the place. I’m not overstepping that.” Lucas glanced at Tinker. “I trust your judgment. If Emily does, then it’s good enough for me.”
Tinker nodded. “Good enough.” He stuck his h
and out and Lucas shook it.
Emily sighed. “Good. Now, Tinker can you take Lucas out to meet the men?”
“Sure.” He jerked his chin for Lucas to head out the door.
“Tinker.” Emily said as soon as Lucas stepped outside. Tinker turned toward her. “Do you want to tell me what that was about?”
Tinker’s ears turned red. “I told him if he hurt you, I’d be all over him.”
Emily bit her lip to keep from smiling. Lucas stood six three, Tinker barely reached five nine and skinny where Lucas had a big body. He looked like nothing but solid muscle. The idea of Tinker trying to take him on was laughable, but she appreciated it.
“Thank you, but I think we’ll be fine.” Emily hugged him and squeezed tighter when Tinker wrapped his arms around her.
“I might not be able to take him on physically but I have a rifle.” He spun around and left. Emily stared after him. She shook her head as she walked to the door and peered out the window. Lucas was already at the barn with Tinker lagging behind.
She sighed and headed to the office to do some paperwork. What a way to spend your wedding day.
* * * *
Lucas waited for Tinker to enter the barn behind him. When he did, the older man glared at him. Lucas sighed.
“Look Tinker, we have to live on this ranch together and it’s not going to be possible with all the hostility you’re throwing at me. Emily and I are married and I own half this ranch. We need to, at least, be civil to each other.”
“I don’t want that girl hurt. I saw her heart get broken before and I won’t watch her go through it again.” Tinker put his hands on his hips and glared up at Lucas. The ranch hands in the barn stopped working to watch the exchange.
“First off, Emily isn’t a girl anymore. She’s a grown woman and old enough to make her own decisions. Secondly, I’m her husband and I expect respect from all of you. I really don’t give a shit what you say about me behind my back but to my face you will be respectful. Is that clear?” Lucas moved his eyes to each man and nodded when they all gave him a nod. His gaze returned to Tinker. “Now show me around. I’m anxious to work with these beauties.”
Tinker hesitated then showed Lucas where he could start. Lucas gave a terse nod and went to work. He knew how to do everything needed to keep a horse healthy, from filing teeth to inoculations. After working at several large ranches, he’d learned everything he could. He’d grown up in the little town of Dry River, but he’d needed to get out for some reason or other. He’d been restless and the itch to move kept at him like a spot he couldn’t reach to scratch. Lucas hoped the drifting was over and done. The thought of having his own place was always in the back of his mind. Every time he worked at someone else’s place, he felt he was wasting his life away.
As he took a shoe off one of the horses, he felt a little pride he finally had a place. He had more than enough money put back to buy his own place but Whispering Pines was the place to be. Lucas knew it in his bones. He just didn’t expect to be married this way. His wife slept in one room and he slept in another. Shaking his head, he went back to work. The day passed quickly. Before long, it was time to quit for the day. The ranch hands came over to him and introduced themselves.
“Yeah, I’m sorry we didn’t get to it earlier,” Lucas muttered.
“That’s all right boss,” one of the younger hands said.
Lucas shook his head. “I’m not your boss. Tinker is. Don’t ever forget it.”
The hands all nodded and left. Lucas turned to leave and saw Tinker staring at him. Lucas hung his head and put his hands on his hips. Blowing out a breath, he raised his head to look at Tinker.
“What is it now?”
Tinker strode toward him. “I heard what you just told the men. I appreciate it.”
“It’s the truth, Tinker. You’re their boss. I just happen to be yours.” Lucas shrugged and grinned.
Tinker’s eyes widened then he burst out laughing. “Yes you are.” He stuck his hand out. “Let’s do this again. Welcome to Whispering Pines, Mr. Taggart.”
Lucas shook his hand. “Call me Lucas.”
Tinker nodded. They grinned at each other and left the barn together. Tinker moved on to the bunkhouse he lived in on the property, and Lucas headed for the house. Walking in the back door, he came to a halt when he saw Emily bent over peering into the refrigerator. Her jeans stretched across her ass. He swallowed hard.
She straightened up and spun around. When she saw him standing there she placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. Lucas raised his eyes to her face. He was trying not to smile.
“What?” he asked innocently.
“Are you serious?”
Lucas chuckled. “I’m not apologizing. Can’t a man look at his wife’s, uh…attributes?”
* * * *
Emily couldn’t think. His grin was gorgeous. His teeth were white, straight, and perfect. The dimples in his cheeks deepened and his chuckle sent a shiver along her spine. The man was drop dead gorgeous.
“I…” she shook her head. “I have no answer for that.”
Lucas laughed. “I’ve got you speechless?”
Did he ever. And it had nothing to do with his comment. Those dark eyes were gorgeous. She wondered if she had drool dripping from her mouth. Her husband was one hot man. She could feel the heat in her cheeks as she gazed up at him. The smile left his face as their eyes met and held. When his gaze dropped to her lips, she couldn’t help but lick them.
She watched as Lucas closed his eyes as if in pain. When he opened them, he took a step toward her. A knock on the back door caused him to halt in his tracks. He spun around and opened the door. Tinker stood there. His gaze going back and forth between them.
“Did you need something, Tinker?” Emily asked.
“I’m going to make a run to the feed store tomorrow. We’re low on oats and I want to make sure we have plenty. There’s a big storm coming, but I’ll get back before it starts in the morning.”
“That’s fine, Tinker. Go get what you need,” Emily told him. He narrowed his eyes at Lucas then glanced at her. She smiled. Tinker nodded and left.
“That’s some babysitter you have there,” Lucas told her as he took his coat off.
“Tinker’s known me since I was in diapers. He’s like a father to me. He doesn’t want to see me hurt.”
“I get it. You have six men besides him working here, why do you need me?”
Emily huffed. “I need a man in the house and before you say anything, having a ranch hand in here wouldn’t keep Adam away. He’d just figure he could pay him off. If Adam thinks I’m…in love with my husband and he loves me, he won’t come near the house.”
“What about when you’re in town?”
“He won’t bother me with other people around. Dry River has eyes everywhere. I’ll be safe in town and here. Those are the only places I go. I work here and run to town only when I need to.” Emily shrugged. “He’ll know I’m married. He’s kept tabs on me. I also had a private detective keeping them on him.”
“He may not even show up.”
Emily laughed. “He will, if only to let me know he’s around so he can torment me. As soon as I heard he was being released I got a restraining order against him but it won’t stop him.”
“Do you think he’ll try to do you physical harm?”
“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I really don’t know.”
“He’ll have to go through me,” Lucas said softly.
Emily smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
He smiled. “Isn’t that what husbands do? Protect their family?”
“Yes.”
Lucas stepped toward her, stopping in front of her. He slowly raised his hands and cupped her face. She looked into his eyes.
“I’m going to kiss my wife,” Lucas whispered as he lowered his head. His lips brushed hers lightly. When she moaned, he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips. “Open for me.” His lips tickled hers as he spoke. H
er mouth opened and his tongue moved inside to the deep honeyed depths.
Emily’s hands moved up his chest to around his neck. Her fingers splayed through his hair. Lucas groaned into her mouth and moved his hands down her neck to her shoulders and around her back. He cupped her butt and pulled her tightly against him. She could feel his erection pressing against her stomach and slowly pulled back from him. Lucas stepped back.
“You’re not going to hit me, are you?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
Emily laughed. “No. It was both our faults.”
“I wouldn’t call it a fault of any kind.” Lucas shrugged. “I’d say we both enjoyed it.”
Emily nodded. “Yes. I agree.” She smiled shyly at him and glanced away.
“So…you want to go to bed?”
Emily’s head whipped around. She narrowed her eyes when she saw him grinning. Her mouth twitched. “That isn’t funny.”
“I don’t think it is either.” He strode past her then stopped at the doorway of the kitchen. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Emily watched him walk away. She could hear him going up the stairs and into the bathroom. When the shower started, she groaned as she pictured him in there. His big body getting wet from the water sluicing down over him. Emily pulled out a chair, sat down, and put her hands over her face. How was she going to do this, not sleep with the man she married. She slapped her hands down on the table. That wasn’t right. They would eventually sleep together. She snorted. Sleep had nothing to do with it.
Chapter Three
The day of his release, Adam strode through the gate and stopped. He took a deep breath of fresh air. Freedom had never tasted so sweet. Revenge was going to taste even sweeter. His ride sat across the street waiting for him. He crossed over, got into the passenger seat, and smiled at the woman behind the wheel. Stella Carlisle was beautiful, but dumber than shit, as far as he was concerned. She didn’t realize he’d used her. They started out as pen pals but once she visited him in prison, she fell in love. Adam almost laughed. She actually believed he loved her too, and since she did, she’d do anything he asked of her. Including driving him to Dry River to see his ex-wife. He snorted and she glanced over at him.
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